High-efficiency Algorithm for the Most Unfavourable Load Case Combinations of Multilayered Frame-Type Wharf Structure

Abstract

The wharf, which was built in the Three Gorges Reservoir of China, is constructed as a layered frame-type structure for adapting to large water level fluctuations that exceed 30 m. These large fluctuations cause the frame-type structure to exhibit a considerably higher number of load case combinations than traditional marine high-piled wharfs. To estimate the most adverse combined internal force and the corresponding unfavourable load case combinations of significant components for multilayered frame-type wharf structures in the Three Gorges Reservoir of China, a high-efficiency algorithm is developed in this study. This algorithm can skilfully transform the computational mode of load case combinations into a matrix operations process by computer programming. By applying the proposed algorithm, the number of load case combinations for eight significant components of frame-type wharf, including piles, columns, beams, braces and berthing components, are resolved to a total of 21 from the original quantity of more than six billion. This high-efficiency algorithm can provide powerful technical support for evaluating the bearing capability of multilayered frame-type wharfs in the Three Gorges Reservoir of China.

Keywords

• high-efficiency algorithm
• most unfavourable load combinations
• multilayered frame-type wharf
• SAP 2000
• Three Gorges Reservoir of China